Category Archives: Business/Economics

Business/Economics

“We were blindsided….It’s like a funeral here.” 70-thousand U.S. oil jobs gone, more of the same in 2016! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 29 December 2015

Arizona:  In Phoenix, after 30 years Ofelia’s bridal shop shutdown.

California:  More proof video games are not recession resistant; on Xmas day Laguna Hills based Red 5 Studios informed its employees it did not have enough cash to issue their Xmas time paychecks!  Unconfirmed reports that Red 5 Studios also laid off employees in November and December.  All year long clothing maker Hudsloan Enterprises advertised that it was looking for employees for its “rapid growing clothing” operation. Now Hudsloan is shutting down its Los Angeles operations in February, 265 jobs lost!   Upscale sunglasses maker Oakley issued a layoff WARN in Foothill Ranch, 76 jobs lost in February 2016.   Failing to prove its graduated students can find good paying jobs France based Le Cordon Bleu shutting down its Pasadena cooking school in February, 126 jobs lost!  In Fontana, motion control company Parker Hannifin issued a shutdown WARN, 69 jobs lost in February 2016.  In San Francisco, British empire based U.S. taxsucking BAE killing more U.S. jobs, this time 63 people laid off.  Tax sucker Boeing issued several layoff WARNs, 79 jobs lost in February 2016.  TGI Friday’s shutting down their Carlsbad restaurant, 45 jobs lost by the end of February 2016.  In Los Angeles, Hyatt Regency Century Plaza shutting down in March 2016, at least 796 jobs lost!  In Kerman, massive farm layoffs as Gerawan Farming-Prima issued a shutdown WARN for February, 2-thousand 551 jobs lost due to the ongoing drought!

Georgia:  In Atlanta, after five years Cafe Jonah and the Magical Attic shutting down by the end of February 2016: “Our landlord is not renewing our lease and intends to sell the property. I have been searching for the past year for a comparable space that we could call home, but have not found anything…”

Indiana: Michigan based Bagger Dave’s Burger Tavern shutting down seven restaurants due to lack of sales.  Only one Bagger Dave’s will remain in Indiana.

Iowa: In Cedar Rapids, a 30 years old Burger King fast food joint shutting down in January 2016, because of the greedy property owner: “The lease came up and our rates went up. We wanted to do a scrape and rebuild, but we just couldn’t do it economically on a leased piece of ground. It just doesn’t make sense.”-Perry Beaton, franchise owner

Kansas: In Topeka, Mad Eliza’s Cakes & Confections shutting down their brick-n-mortar store and focusing on catering only: “The many extra expenses and workload of keeping and stocking a storefront can only be justified when there is a line at the counter a large portion of the time…”-Mark and Peggy Murnahan, owners

Maryland: The GAP clothier shutting down in the Westfield Annapolis Mall.  After 33 years the last Wavedancer store in Baltimore shutting down in January 2016.

Massachusetts:  After almost six years Persnickety Toys shutdown their Pittsfield location due to down holiday sales: “I did have the option to not close dependent upon the outcome of the holiday season, but I’m afraid that while it was pretty busy, it just wasn’t busy enough.”-Mike Moore, owner of Pittsfield store

Another 30 years old fast food joint shutdown, this time in Hadley.  The KFC (aka Kentucky Fried Chicken) shutdown due to low sales and higher labor costs: “We just can’t make money here anymore with the minimum wage increase and new part-time sick leave. Things weren’t that great anymore, but those things were the final nail.”-Mike Houston, franchise owner

Michigan: Only seven years old Bagger Dave’s Burger Tavern chain shutting down a restaurant in Detroit, blaming lack of sales.   Bankrupt California based American Apparel shutdown its Lansing store without warning.

Missouri: In Jefferson City, after 37 years Kirlin’s Hallmark gift store shutting down by the beginning of January 2016.

Nebraska:  In Lincoln, the Russ’s Market (formerly Food-4-Less) at 70th and Van Dorn streets shutting down by the end of January 2016, the parent company is consolidating grocery ops into fewer stores.

New Mexico: In Silver City, after ten years non-profit fiber art store The Common Thread shutdown.  The operator said sales weren’t high enough to pay the utilities.

New York: In Soho, Italian steakhouse Costata shutdown and looking for a cheaper location.

Pennsylvania:  In York, Metso Minerals issued a WARN saying 71 jobs lost by February 2016.  Too Big to Jail FNB-Metro Bancorp-Metro Bank eliminating 230 Dauphin County jobs by February 2016!  In Pottsville, Ryder issued a WARN saying 95 jobs lost by March 2016.  In Brackenridge, ATI Flat Rolled Products issued a WARN saying they will eliminate 259 jobs by the end of February 2016!  After 101 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) the non-profit Mahanoy City Visiting Nurse Association killed off by skyrocketing costs and lack of donations.    In Wayne, after 34 years Newman and Saunders Galleries shutting down next week.  The owners are selling the property and will focus on internet sales only.   The state Game Commission says not enough hunting licenses were sold and they must furlough two employees.  In Reading, upscale clothier The Archive shutting down, the owner blames low sales on a bad location.  Michigan based DTE Energy shutting down their Shenango coke plant in January 2016, 173 jobs lost: “We were blindsided….It’s like a funeral here.”-Mike Ruane, employees’ union rep

Texas: The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas estimates that since October 2014 at least 70-thousand oil industry jobs have been lost: “Job losses and falling energy prices portend continued distress for the oil and gas sector in 2016…..      If bankruptcies continue at this rate, more may follow in 2016. Upstream firms have also adjusted to low oil prices by slashing capital expenditures; spending is down 51% from fourth quarter 2014 to third quarter 2015.”

Washington: In Bellingham, after 20 years Vis Seafoods shutdown its brick-n-mortar store and shifting to internet orders only.

Washington DC:  After eight years the Hello Cupcake shop in Dupont Circle shutting down.

West Virginia: In Montgomery, after 107 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) Elk Furniture shutting down: “It’s um something I have been seeing come, for several years business has slowed down. You can’t run a business without money…..we don’t see how things are going to pick up any time soon.”-Ella Mae Jones, owner

U.S. Job Losses & Closings 28 December 2015: “this will be an humanitarian crisis under the flag of the United States” 

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Business/Economics

U.S. cities declare war on homeless people! “this will be an humanitarian crisis under the flag of the United States” : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 28 December 2015

In 2015 dozens of evil U.S. cities, and even states, ‘declared war’ on homeless people despite the fact that the Failed State policies of ‘lawmakers’ are creating more and more homeless families: Portland, Oregon.  Seattle, Washington. Boise, Idaho. Denver, Colorado. Hawaii. Etc.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors recently released their 33rd annual assessment of hunger and homelessness in 22 U.S. cities.   The capital of the United States, Washington DC, leads the pack with an explosive 60% jump in homeless families!  Families becoming homeless far outpace individuals becoming homeless, and many city administrators see no change for 2016.  If that isn’t proof your system qualifies as an official Failed State, then you’re a proverbial Frog in a Boiling Pot.

Alaska: Proof of a Failed State; ‘lawmakers’ in The Last Frontier state are now considering a personal income tax for the first time in 35 years, blaming crashing revenues from the oil industry.  Never mind the fact that ‘lawmakers’ just spent bookoo bucks on building themselves a “palatial” new legislative building.

Arkansas: After 25 years Mister Magic brick-n-mortar shop shutting down and shifting to internet sales only.

California: Abercrombie Kids shutting down their Milpitas clothing store in January 2016, at least 41 jobs lost.   New York based clothier Suchman issued mass shutdown WARNs for several locations across The Golden State, 204 jobs lost by April 2016!    In Santa Clara, more proof high-tech not recession resistant as Citrix Systems issued a layoff WARN, 54 jobs lost in January 2016. In Brea, customer management company Alta Resources laid off 121 employees!  In San Diego, Bridgepoint Education laid off six people.  What construction industry recovery?  In Fresno, PPG laying off 45 people from their residential glass factory in January 2016.  In Carson, HVAC company Anemostat revealed they laid off 89 people. Morrison Healthcare Food Service ended their Chico operations, 87 jobs lost.  In Rancho Santa Margarita, RSM Automotive & Towing issued a layoff WARN, 77 jobs lost by February 2016.   The Montecito Country Club issued a layoff WARN, 44 jobs lost in February 2016.  In Pleasanton, Albertsons-Safeway continues with the layoffs, this time 66 people unemployed by February 2016.

Georgia:  In Gainesville, after 31 years Frames You-Nique shutting down due to the owner’s health problems.

Florida: In Mission Bay, the Toys R Us shutting down by the end of January 2016.

Illinois:  Since October the Illinois State Museum has been closed due to the Failed State ‘lawmakers’ failing to come up with a budget.  Now local news reports say two thirds of the staff have been forced to retire early, or quit!

Indiana: After 45 years the Mark III Tap Room shutting down at the end of the month.

New Jersey:  Bankrupt California based American Apparel shutting down their Newport Centre store in January 2016.  It should be noted that the bankruptcy documents partly blame skyrocketing rents.

New York: In Buffalo, Dog é Style hotdog joint shutting down by January 2016.

North Carolina: In Oak City, the owner of Klub Xplosion shutting it down due to increasing violence.  In Cary, Firewurst sausage joint shutting down: “After nearly 3 years of toil and sacrifice to build a local brand that could ultimately become a national franchise, we have come to the conclusion that our brand is…..not sustainable.”

Puerto Rico: The governor of the U.S. territory stated they cannot continue making payments on the government debt: “We’re out of cash…..there are no more tricks…this will be an humanitarian crisis under the flag of the United States very soon if Congress do not act.”-Alejandro Garcia Padilla, interviewed by CNN

South Carolina:  More proof internet/high-tech is not recession resistant; 3D Systems shutting down its Cubify.com website and ending its retail 3D printed operations.

U.S. Job Losses & Closings 25 – 27 December 2015: Nevada penalizes homeowners for going ‘Green’!

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Business/Economics, Idaho

Idaho employees still behind the 8-Ball despite 3% pay raise! Nevada penalizes homeowners for going ‘Green’! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 25 – 27 December 2015

Japan based Toshiba concluded an internal investigation into book-cooking and discovered that past corrupt administrators ripped off the company by at least $1.3-billion USD.  The result is that 7-thousand 8-hundred people around the world will lose their jobs!  This affects Toshiba ops in the United States, such as the South Texas Project (Toshiba owns 87% of Pennsylvania based nuclear power plant maker Westinghouse).

California: In Newark, bio-company StemCells warned 25% of its employees of impending layoffs due to “restructuring” caused by legal tangles involving the state stem cell funding agency CIRM.    In South San Francisco, drugs maker Threshold Pharmaceuticals announced layoffs that would leave it with only 20 employees! It’s blamed on their Phase 3 failed drugs.  Another drugs maker, KaloBios Pharmaceuticals, in big trouble after two of its administrators were arrested for frauding investors!  The company now faces NASDAQ de-listing.

Connecticut:  Failed golf TV network Back9Network now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.  Back9 went off the air in February and laid off most of its employees.

Georgia: In Decatur, after 39 years the 17 Steps gift shop shutting down by the end of January.

Idaho: State ‘lawmakers’ decided to give state employees a 3% pay raise, yet the Idaho Press-Tribune says state employees are still paid 22% below the ‘market average’ for state government employees across the U.S.  My own short experience working with state employees at Idaho State University revealed that the pay disparity gets even worse when you break it down by region, yes, state employees are not paid uniformly across The Gem State.  It was also revealed that the state Department of Health and Welfare experienced a 15% employee turnover rate in 2015, blamed mainly on low pay rates!  So much for Right to Work you over laws!  For more news on the sad state of Idaho, the U.S. Department of Education says Idaho’s High School graduation rate is 41st out of the 50 states and Washington DC!

Indiana: What automotive industry recovery?  New car parts maker Indiana Marujun (IML) shutting down its Winchester factory, 750 jobs lost by the end of 2016!  It’s blamed on the planned shutdown of the Honda factory.

Kansas: In Topeka, the non-profit health care Marian Clinic shutting down affecting at least 4-hundred low income patients.  Local news reports say the Shawnee County Health Agency is experiencing a steady increase in patient inquiries since the announcement that Marian Clinic was shutting down.

Maryland: In Westminster, after 25 years the Hickory Stick bangle shop shutdown: “Expenses are up, and the sales are not following suit.”-Sandy Scott, owner

Nevada: Proof government doesn’t want ‘green’ businesses and there is no such thing as ‘free market economics’ in the United States; California based solar panel maker SolarCity leaving The Silver State because the state Public Utilities Commission jacked up fees charged to people who put solar panels on their homes, and reduced how much electric power companies have to pay those home owners for extra power generated by the solar panels.  The net result is that people who put solar panels on their homes will actually see their electricity bill go up by about $40 per month!  Up till now analysts say Nevada homeowners with solar power panels had reduced their electricity bill by a measly $15 per month.  Evil utility companies demand that even people who go off the power grid should still have to pay to support that evil grid!  SolarCity’s exit from The Silver State could affect at least 2-thousand jobs!

New York:  In Manhattan, restaurant City Hall shutting down on New Year’s Eve.

North Carolina: Morrison Healthcare Food Service shutting down their Pinevale operations, 80 jobs affected by February 2016.   Morrison lost their contract with Carolinas Healthcare System.

Ohio: God refuses to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ 1-hundred years old (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) Saint Matthew Lutheran Church in Mansfield.  Supposedly it’s being taken over by a competing version of christianity.

Oklahoma: The state Board of Equalization predicts $900.8-million USD less in tax revenues for next fiscal year due to the collapsing oil industry.

Texas: In Austin, it was revealed that Mijos Tex-Mex Cantina shutdown without warning, back in November.

Utah: In Orem, after 53 years the Vineyard Garden Center shutdown, the owner said “Too old, too tired.” 

Virginia: In Alexandria three local mom-n-pops shutdown; Bradlee Shoe Repair, Monroe’s Shoe Repair and Mancini’s Cafe & Bakery.

Wisconsin: In Wausau, after 51 years Hadley Office Products shutting down.  The retiring owners found a buyer for the business, hoping to keep the employees employed.    Reports say the new owner will keep on ten employees.

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Business/Economics

“Since December 1…business has dropped precipitously!” Taxpayer funded Green biofuel plant shutdown! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 24 December 2015

Alaska:  In Bethel, the non-profit Association of Village Council Presidents must eliminate 30 jobs blaming crashing revenues.  Remaining employees will see pay cuts ranging from 5% to 10%.  However, local news reports point out the jobs cuts come after the federal government paid the non-profit $9-million USD to settle a contract dispute!

Arkansas: Bentonville based Walmart announced it will adopt the Sears Holdings plan of action and shutdown 30 stores in the South American country of Brazil!  Many of those stores would then be rented out to other retailers.  In North Little Rock, after only 11 months Sassy Cake Lady bakery shutdown without warning.  The owner said the rent is too high and she will return to operating a bakery out of her house.

California:  In the midst of economic disaster state ‘lawmakers’ just gave Senate employees a pay raise!  Aren’t you happy taxpayers overjoyed?  San Ramon based oil giant Chevron revealed it laid off 1-thousand 2-hundred people in Australia!   It’s part of Chevron’s plan to eliminate 7-thousand jobs around the world!  In San Francisco, 1960s iconic patty melt maker Lucky Penny Coffee Shop shutting down on Xmas Eve, because of a greedy property developer.  In Huntington Beach, after 70 years Unicorn Sports Center shutting down after Xmas.   Bankrupt busted American Apparel shutting down their original store in Echo Park after Xmas, administrators call the shutdown of their first store a “turning point”.

Connecticut: After 65 years DeCarlo’s Thrifty Cleaners and Formal Wear shutdown, the owner blames skyrocketing unemployment and taxes: “We used to have two pick-up and delivery trucks on the road in the 1960s. We were the only cleaner on this side of Naugatuck. There was another cleaner on the other side of town. We basically were very busy during the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s.  Uniroyal started eliminating the jobs in town, so business started slowing down…….The taxes in Naugatuck are way too high and unfortunately you can’t make a living profit anymore. So I just decided to actually retire.”-Rocco DeCarlo junior

Florida:  Trash collectors Frederick J. Hanna & Associates issued a WARN saying 13 people in Plantation will become jobless in February 2016.

Georgia: In Atlanta, Manuel’s Tavern shutting down after being sold-off to a property developer.

Illinois: In Kankakee, Space Center Distribution Chicago warehouse is shutting down, 46 jobs lost by March 2016.  It’s blamed on the loss of a contract with Big Heart Pet Brands.

Iowa: In Shell Rock, farm equipment maker Unverferth Manufacturing conducting another round of layoffs, this time an undisclosed number of employees will become unemployed in January 2016.  Last month Unverferth laid off about 48 people, blaming crashing sales.  At a campaign rally in Keota High School, Hillary Clinton stated she would shutdown at least half of the schools in the U.S.: “…I wouldn’t keep any school open that wasn’t doing a better than average job.”

Louisiana: More proof the internet is not recession resistant; newly created New Orleans based “pop-up” elitist events dining sensation Dinner Lab already eliminating jobs.  30 employees let go as company administrators shift to contract workers.

Massachusetts: Without warning trucking company Crystal Motor Express laid off 75 employees, saying “Since December 1, 2015, Crystal Motor’s business has dropped precipitously…”

Michigan: In Detroit, after 35 years The Lark restaurant shutting down on Xmas Eve.  In Calumet, after 27 years Rowe Furniture shutting down when the inventory is gone, the owners said “The economic conditions haven’t been the best. We’re getting to where we want to retire.” 

Minnesota: In Moorhead, after 16 years the Tesoro fuel station on 8th Street shutting down on Xmas Eve.  The family owners blame an upcoming road construction project.  What auto industry recovery? In Perham, after 90 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) the Matz and Greiff autoshop/car dealer shutdown.  The current owner essentially blamed it on the computerization of cars.  Up until 2004 Matz and Greiff was a Chrysler new car dealer.

New York: Only ten months after its creation outrageously priced drugs maker Turing Pharmaceuticals now eliminating an undisclosed number of jobs, after their A-hole CEO and founder was arrested for ripping off investors.   The founder of Turing Pharmaceuticals is the guy who jacked up the price of a cancer drug from $13.50 per pill to $750.00 per pill!   In Bronx, after 55 years Zaro’s Bakery shutting down after Xmas, the owner blames the greedy property manager: “After almost 60 years, this is the notice we get? No chance to bid on the space, no chance to try to keep business?”-Michael Zaro

Ohio: EnerSys Delaware shutting down their Cleveland battery factory, by May 2016, 95 jobs lost.  In North Olmsted, the Butternut Primary School shutting down after this school year.  Administrators are playing a property shell game promising to eventually build a new school.  In Findlay, the Brazier Dairy Queen on Lima Avenue shutdown.

Tennessee: In Chattanooga, after 40 years The Book Rack shutting down.  The current owner now understands why the previous owner sold her the store for only one dollar, back in 2013!  In Vonore, chemical giant DuPont shutting down its taxpayer funded renewable ethanol refinery after Xmas.  No reason has been made public, so far (I found an article from last week that revealed that DuPont is shifting focus to a new patented biofuel tech called the C1 platform by Dyadic International).  It should be noted that state taxpayers shelled out $70-million USD to help DuPont and the University of Tennessee build the ‘green’ Vonore refinery in 2007.

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Business/Economics, Idaho

“cash flow negative” “…time to pack up.” “This is absolutely a trend.” No more Jamba Juice? Idaho schools get mean, fires people over $1.70 lunches! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 23 December 2015

What housing market recovery?  The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that sales of existing homes crashed in November, down 10.5% from October (which, by the way, were revised downward from previous reports), and down by 210-thousand sales compared to November 2014!  By region: NorthEast down by 9.2%, South down by 6.2%, MidWest crashed by 15.4% and the West also crashed by 13.9%.

California: Emeryville based Jamba Juice announced it is shutting down 30 stores in Illinois and New York, 104 jobs lost!  Administrators said the stores “are cash flow negative”.  The evil city of Oakland spent $72-thousand tax dollars evicting homeless people from 162 homeless camps!  That’s a lot of homeless people, gee I thought there was an economic recovery Barack Obama?   A famous ‘Hollywood’ junkyard that nobody knows about is shutting down.  The Aadlen Brothers Auto Wrecking (aka U Pick Parts) junkyard has been used in dozens of TV shows, especially police/crime shows, over the years but is now shutting down due to crashing revenues.  Another problem is that the junkyard is also an unofficial abandoned cat refuge estimated to have dozens of homeless cats.  Efforts are being made to capture the cats and find homes for them.  In Santa Monica, restaurant Cadet shutting down after the Gregorian New Year’s Day: “…it was not financially viable and will be doing their best to reposition the staff…”-official statement

Florida:  MV Transportation issued a WARN saying 80 people in Orlando will lose their jobs by mid-February 2016.

Idaho:  More proof public school systems are covert Concentration Camps! The evil and corrupt School District 25 (aka Pocatello/Chubbuck school district) fired a food service worker for giving a starving child a free lunch valued at a measly one dollar and 70 cents!  On top of that the A-hole District 25 administrators sent the good samaritan (now former) employee a letter stating they consider her act of charity “theft”!  The former food service employee told new sources she offered to pay for the meal herself but that offer was rejected by her supervisor: “…what are you supposed to do when the kids tell you they are hungry and they don’t have any money?”-Dalene Bowden, hero District 25 food service worker fired for trying to feed starving children

More proof Idaho’s version of ObamaCare is meant to kill you.  The state Department of Health and Welfare is slashing Medicaid payments for in-home care of mentally disabled people.  Already, in-home care operation A New Leaf, in Meridian, is shutting down and eliminating 39 jobs as a result.  Many more in-home care operations will be shutdown as the draconian state ‘lawmakers’ want to warehouse disabled people in institutions.  (better do your research to find out what happened the last time people were warehoused in institutions, it not pretty)

For more proof your Gem State ‘lawmakers’ are out to get you, a U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals court judge ruled that your ‘elected’ lawmakers act with extreme hatred (“animus”) regarding things like animal rights: “The overwhelming evidence gleaned from the legislative history indicates that (the statute) was intended to silence animal welfare activists, or other whistleblowers, who seek to publish speech critical of the agricultural production industry….a review of the (statute’s) legislative history leads to the inevitable conclusion that the law’s primary purpose is to protect agricultural facility owners by, in effect, suppressing speech critical of animal-agriculture practices.”-B. Lynn Winmill

Wild turkeys seen near Inkom, Idaho

Did you pay too much for your holiday turkey?  Producers blame a shortage of the big birds for high store prices but the state Department of Fish and Game claims there are so many wild turkeys in eastern Idaho that they’re asking for a special “expanded” hunting season.  Turkeys are not native to Idaho and their growing population is considered a threat to native game birds.

Now to northern Idaho where the city of Dalton Gardens wants to spend local taxpayer funding on birth control, not for humans but for deer!   Despite the fact the deer were there first city administrators say there are too many and they’re destroying property values, so they want to spend tax dollars on a vaccine that will prevent pregnancies for at least two years.   This is the same animal-people hating city that gave us politician “…Vito Barbieri, who famously asked a physician during a February House committee hearing if doctors could perform gynecological exams remotely by having patients swallow tiny cameras.”

Indiana: The girls prison called Muskegon River Youth Center, in Ladoga, shutting down 20 jobs threatened.  News reports gave this ominous reason; “….will close for a few months and will re-open as a slightly different type of facility.”

Kansas: News reports say Overland Park based cell phone company Sprint has begun its planned $2-billion USD in layoffs/cost cutting a month early!    The layoffs were originally to take place by the end of January 2016, now Sprint administrators say the undisclosed number of massive layoffs will be “largely completed” by the end of January.  Don’t forget, Sprint administrators claim they’re hurting for money so much that for employees laid off after January 2016 the severance package will be cut in half!

Montana: State ‘lawmakers’ are shutting down the Montana Developmental Center.  State representative Denise Hayman (who is opposed to shutting MDC down) says mentally handicapped patients are already being transferred to prisons!     

New Jersey:  The Tenafly Swim Club chapter 7 bankrupt busted.  The New Jersey Pool Manager’s Association says it’s proof there ain’t no economic recovery: “This is absolutely a trend.  We’ve gone from having 54 pool clubs to 45 in our association in about 10 years.”-Ray Roig

New Mexico: In Farmington, after five years the SNS Skate Shop shutting down when the inventory is gone: “The year’s been very slow for everyone that I’ve talked to. I just decided that it was time to pack up.”-Daniel Diswood, owner

Ohio: Forrester’s on the River shutdown after a quagmire of lost business and legal battles.   Railroad operator Norfolk Southern shutting down one of its coal docks, blaming crashing demand for coal, 30 jobs lost as soon as the coal is gotten rid of.

Pennsylvania:  After 43 years of feeding hundreds of hungry families every week the Chester County Food Kitchen shutdown.  The operators blame crashing donations and skyrocketing costs of operation.

Texas: In Fort Worth, after 25 years Shelton’s Barber Shop shutdown.

Virginia: In Fredericksburg, after 11 years Hop & Wine shutting down in January 2016.  The owner blamed many factors including state booze laws.

Wisconsin: Chieftain Sand & Proppant Barron revealed it laid off 63 people.  It’s connected to the oil industry’s fracking operations.

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Business/Economics, Idaho

Idaho screws over firefighters! Scott Walker reigns supreme as layoff king! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 21 – 22 December 2015

Alaska:  Snow Goose Restaurant and Sleeping Lady Brewery shutting down after being sold to a competitor.

California: In Laguna Woods, the Albertsons-Safeway owned Vons grocery store shutting down in January 2016, officially blaming the greedy landlord.  ITT issued a shutdown WARN for its Perris office, at least 18 jobs lost by February 2016. In Bakersfield, C&J Well Service issued a layoff WARN, 161 people jobless by February 2016! KVS Transportation issued a layoff WARN, 111 people jobless by February 2016! In Foothill Ranch, clothier The Wet Seal laying off 20 employees by February 2016.  In Santa Clara, Marvell Semiconductor eliminating 13 jobs by February 2016.  In San Mateo, Sony Mobile eliminating 80 jobs in February 2016.  Medical vascular care company Abbott Vascular shutdown their Redwood City ops, 144 people now jobless!   In Sonoma, El Darado Hotel & Kitchen issued a shutdown WARN, 113 employees will become unemployed in February 2016!   Sun Edison eliminating 20 jobs by February 2016.

Connecticut:  In Wallingford, after 25 years Furniture Solutions shutting down after Xmas, blaming radically changing buying trends.

Idaho:  Avista Utilities jacking up both electricity and natural gas rates for its Gem State customers.  The increase was approved by the evil Idaho Public Utilities Commission.  It’s been revealed that the incompetent Idaho ‘lawmakers’ spent $715-thousand of your tax dollars fighting legal cases to prevent ‘gay marriage’!  Guess what, don’t fight a fire if you’re expecting to be paid by the state! It’s been revealed that The Gem State lawmakers do not normally pay firefighters hired at the last minute to fight wildfires! This year state ‘lawmakers’ have agreed to pay last minute local fire fighting hirees 65% of what is considered “standard rate” for contracted firefighters!  The rip off artist known as Your Health Idaho ObamaCare enforcer is being cut loose from federal funding. For 2016 Your Health Idaho is expected to fund itself, which guarantees rates will go up.  And for more proof Idaho lawmaker’s version of ObamaCare is evil: “Students and their families are also facing steep increases in prices for policies offered on the state exchange, with average prices for a minimal coverage ‘bronze’ plan exceeding $200 per month.”-from staff report recently presented to Idaho Board of Education

Illinois: In Chicago, the 25 years old event center Redmoon Theater shutdown without warning saying “There is no funding model for this civic and social artistic vision…..” 

Massachusetts:  Brockton based office furniture supplier W.B. Mason laying off 2-hundred people right before Xmas!  Administrators admitted it was the result of their takeover of 13 competitors!

New Jersey:  After 140 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) Kirby Bros animal feed and supply store shutting down after Xmas.  The owners blame ‘Global Warming’ saying the warmer weather allows farmers to graze their livestock longer, obviating the need for feed.  Japan based drugs pusher Daiichi Sankyo issued a WARN saying 24 people will be laid off in February 2016.

New York:  In New Dorp, a 16 years old Wendy’s burger joint shutdown without warning.  News reports say employees were telling customers the greedy landlord would not agree to a new affordable lease.  NRG Energy issued a shutdown WARN for their Huntley Generating Station, 72 jobs lost by June 2016.  Switzerland based Credit Suisse Securities issued a mass layoff WARN for their NYC employees, 307 jobs affected by March 2016!

North Carolina:  Legal software company LexisNexis is eliminating at least 2-hundred jobs over the next five years!  How many of those job losses will take place in North Carolina is important because in 2012 state ‘lawmakers’ gave LexisNexis $9-million USD in tax breaks in exchange for creating 350 new jobs by 2017.

Ohio: Lakewood Hospital being shutdown in favor of a smaller clinic operation.

Pennsylvania: The GAP and GAP Kids shutting down their Palmer Park Mall clothing stores in January 2016.  In Montgomery, Conair issued a WARN saying 44 people will become jobless by the end of February 2016. What automotive industry recovery?  In Lehigh, Westport Axle issued a WARN saying 50 people will be laid off by February 2016.  In Lackawanna, Master Halco issued a WARN saying 50 people to become unemployed in February 2016.

South Carolina: In Simpsonville, JB’s Barbeque forced to shutdown due to the owner’s head injuries.

Texas:  In Atascocita, after 24 years Gifts & Silver shutting down in January 2016.

Washington: What construction industry recovery?  Omak Wood Products issued a shutdown WARN, 184 employees unemployed in February 2016!   Hoquiam Plywood Products issued a layoff WARN, 90 people jobless in February 2016.

West Virginia: In Charleston, after 51 years the Fas-Chek grocery store shutdown, blaming competition.

Wisconsin:  Manitowoc Cranes shutting down its Port Washington operations, 80 jobs lost by August 2016.  2015 is on its way to being the biggest year for layoffs under Right to Work you over govna Scott Walker’s reign of terror, more than 12-thousand jobs lost, and that’s going just by the official WARNs!

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Business/Economics

“….all companies need to create real business.” Too Big to Fail banks killed by Oil Industry! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 14 – 20 December 2015

Prestigious France based Le Cordon Bleu shutting down all 16 schools in the United States! In the past decade graduates have been accusing the 115 years old cooking school of ripping them off, saying school recruiters lied about how much a cook can be paid after graduating. The U.S. Department of Education agrees and is ending federal student loan funding for Julia Child’s alma mater.

Arizona: Phoenix based The Room Store now bankrupt busted and will conduct mass layoffs by February 2016.  At least 10 stores could be shutdown, it’s blamed on crashing sales.

Arkansas: In Little Rock, the Brown Sugar Bakery shutdown, the owners said brick-n-mortar stores don’t work anymore and will try running a bakery out of a food truck.  After 30 years Silvek’s European Bakery shutting down in March 2016.   Sweet Love Bakery shutting down in January 2016, the owner blames lack of holiday sales: “Normally December we make enough money to float us through that slow time. This year we just weren’t seeing the same orders.”-Kelli Marks (normally they have 6-hundred cookie/cupcake orders for December, but this year only about 1-hundred orders were placed!)

California:  Texas based Halliburton laid off 16 more Bakersfield oil industry workers.  In San Francisco more evidence the internet is not recession proof, internet furniture seller One Kings Lane laid off 89 employees.  Administrators said it was the only way they “…can further accelerate the pace at which we innovate and execute on behalf of our customers and vendors while continuing to meet our financial goals.”

Connecticut:  In Manchester, after 67 years the Optical Style Bar shutting down after Xmas.  The retiring owner said his three adult children are not interested in taking over the business.  What housing market recovery?  Stamford based Seaboard Properties now bankrupt busted after two of the owners discovered their books were being cooked: “Recent events caused …..to become increasingly concerned that the operations and finances of the company were not as they had been represented…..”-company statement

Florida:  In Tallahassee, Proof Brewing shutting down their Tennessee Street location, the owners want to focus on just one brewing operation at a time.  So much for ObamaCare; health insurance company Preferred Medical Plan issued a layoff WARN saying they lost so many customers that they must now eliminate 162 jobs in February 2016!  In Port Saint Louis, Teacher’s Pet and More education supply store shutting down due to nobody wanting to take over the 30+ years old business.

Illinois: In Chicago more evidence the internet is not recession proof, internet advertising company Centro laid off 29 employees.   CEO Shawn Riegsecker admitted corporate America is bullshitting everybody about profits and said “We’re at a moment where all companies need to create real business.”  The company that owns The Dispatch and Rock Island Argus newspapers is moving printing ops to Iowa, at least 18 jobs lost.

Iowa: In Des Moines more evidence the internet is not recession proof, electronic payment company Dwolla eliminated 12 jobs, and like most corporations, said it’s necessary for “growth”.   Farm vehicle maker Deere (John Deere) continues to kill jobs, this time 45 people in Waterloo will be let go in January 2016.  In Boone, after 116 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) Eckstein’s Jewelry shutting down after Xmas.  The current owners blame crashing sales.  In Newton, Don’s Town & Country appliance repair shop shutdown after more than 40 years of service.

Kansas: In Hillsboro, Nancy’s Fashions shutdown after 27 years.  The Kansas Aviation Museum is drastically reducing operating hours for 2016, resulting in at least two people losing their jobs.   Wichita based Spirit AeroSystems is bribing its Kansas and Oklahoma employees to quit or retire early.  Administrators would only say it’s necessary “…to meet the current needs of our business.”

Kentucky:  In Saint Matthews, The Feed Bag shutdown after 28 years of yummy Reubens.  The property was sold, the owner said it was time to try something new.  In Louisville, after 35 years the Parent-Teacher Store & Toys Too shutting down in 2016, blaming crashing sales and skyrocketing operating costs.

Maine: In Augusta, Stacy’s Hallmark gift store shutting down after 43 years.  The family owners revealed sales have been crashing and burning for several years now.

Massachusetts:  24 years old Nantucket based Island Airlines shutdown without warning.   In Ware, God refuses to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ Saint Mary’s School after 91 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) of education.  It’s blamed on what I call The Rapture, I mean what I call Disappearing Students Syndrome (they’re down to just 32 students).

Michigan:  East Jackson School District announced they must layoff six teachers due to unexpectedly low student enrollment.

Minnesota: In Aurora, Zup’s Food Market forced to shutdown in January 2016, the owner Jim Zupancich bemoaned the crashing mining industry “We did everything we could. We’ve really been fighting this since May…..      ……a bundle of things that led to the closing, including LTV Mining near Hoyt Lakes shutting down in 2000/2001, with 1,500 employees losing their jobs. Then about a year ago, Mesabi Nugget shuttered for at least two years if not permanently. Meanwhile, now only half of the six taconite mines on the Range are operating, and about 2,000 mine workers are unemployed!” 

In Winona, the 65 years old West End Bait shop shutting down after Xmas, the property was sold-off.

Nebraska: In Fremont, God refuses to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ First Christian Church after 125 years of service (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions).  The property is for sale and there are indications that competition from other churches done them in (so much for ‘christian’ charity and brotherly love).

New York: Community Papers now chapter 11 bankrupt busted, it affects 21 newspaper operations across The Empire State!  Too Big to Jail Citigroup will begin eliminating at least 2-thousand jobs in January 2016!  The latest reports blame huge money losses from loans to the oil industry! The town of Hamburg eliminating 29 jobs and blaming it on ObamaCare!  ObamaCare (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) resulted in jacking up healthcare costs for the city so much that the only way they can pay for it is to eliminate jobs!

North Carolina: In Asheboro, after 43 years Southern Wholesale shutting down before Xmas.  In Elkin, after 25 years Carol’s Wedding Shop shutting down after Xmas, due to the owner’s health problems.

North Dakota: Yet another Fargo business going down, Garden Hut shutdown, the owner blamed climate change (mild winters & major flooding in Spring) for destroying his sales.

Ohio: In Dayton, the Denny’s restaurant shutdown without warning, the administrators were not happy with the lack of sales.   In Windham, after 35 years the Sparkle Market grocery store shutdown, the owner blamed declining local population for his declining sales.  What automotive industry recovery? Titan Tire (GoodYear) issued a layoff WARN saying at least 130 employees will become unemployed by February 2016!  Administrators say the outlook for industrial tire sales in 2016 is bad!  The city of Lorain eliminating 40 jobs, mainly cops and firefighters.  City administrators blame crashing tax revenues for a $2.3-million USD shortfall, the crashing tax revenues are the result of major employers conducting mass layoffs/shutdowns.  In Colerain Township, the Big Lots overpriced discount store shutting down.  Their lease is expiring and they weren’t able to find a better location so they’re shutting it down.   In BeaverCreek, Stride Rite shutting down their Greene Town Center shoe store by March 2016.  In Findlay, after 60 years Groman’s Music shutting down, the owner lamented “The world has changed, and I haven’t changed with it.”  Lakewood Hospital Foundation shutting down their Thrifty Peddler resale shop after Xmas.  Administrators said “circumstances change”.

Oklahoma: Tulsa based oil company New Gulf Resources now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.

Pennsylvania: What automotive industry recovery, what construction industry recovery? In McConnellsburg, construction vehicle maker JLG notified 55 contracted employees of layoffs in January 2016.  It’s connected to parent company Oshkosh’s declining sales.  North Carolina based truck maker Mack will eliminate 4-hundred Lower Macungie Township jobs in January 2016!  In DuBois,  after more than 50 years Ben Rossi Jeweler shutting down after Xmas.  Trib Total Media shutting down newspapers The Valley Independent and The Daily News after Xmas, 87 jobs lost.  In Dickson, the Ethan Allen furniture store shutting down in February 2016.

South Carolina: Century Aluminum continues to kill jobs, this time their Berkeley County potlines being shutdown, resulting in an undisclosed number of layoffs right before Xmas.

South Dakota: In Sioux Falls, God refuses to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ Christian Center School (after 35 years of service) at the end of this school year.  Administrators would only say to news media that they prayed a lot.

Tennessee: In Knoxville, after 34 years The Lunchbox restaurant shutdown.  In Union, Deb ‘n Heir kids clothing store shutting down after 55 years.  When asked why he didn’t have barcodes on his merchandise the owner proved the new tech age is actually dumbing people down when he responded “Most of it I just kept in my head.”

Texas:  Irving based oil company Magnum Hunter Resources now chapter 11 bankrupt busted, claiming $1.4-billion USD of debt!  Houston based oil industry tool maker Cameron International issued a layoff WARN saying 55 people will be let go by February 2016.

Virginia: Coal mining giant Alpha Natural Resources continues killing jobs, this time 138 people in Raleigh and Boone counties learned they were being laid off right before Xmas!  British empire based U.S. tax-sucking BAE laid off 160 people at its Norfolk shipyard!  Last month BAE laid off 185 people.  In Lynchburg, the Odd Fellows retirement home shutting down due to violations of state licensing standards.

Wisconsin: In Madison, God refuses to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ British empire based Salvation Army Thrift Store.  Administrators said it was not worth it to renew the lease.

12-13 December 2015:  oil industry is full of shit, hands out $100,000 bonus to all employees! 

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Business/Economics

Proof the oil industry is full of shit, oil company hands out $100,000 bonus to all employees! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 12 – 13 December 2015

In France, the evil COP21 resulted in an agreement touted as saving the environment.  If you read the fine print it’s really about forcing the general public to buy the new Rockefeller controlled ‘alternative’ energy products.  For proof the COP21 deal is False ask yourself why both pro-climate change and anti-climate change activists were outside the convention protesting the deal?  (yeah, the mainstream news media never showed you that)

Alabama:  Birmingham based steel company O’Neal Manufacturing Services shutting down its Birmingham operations, 180 jobs lost!  They’re moving operations to North Carolina.

Arizona: In Phoenix, restaurant operator Gallagher’s now chapter 11 bankrupt busted, five restaurants threatened.

California:  In San Diego, Connecticut based tax-sucker United Technologies issued a shutdown WARN , 31 jobs lost by the end of January 2016.  In Rancho Cordova, medical device maker Volcano began another round of layoffs, 60 people now unemployed.  News reports said at one time there were almost 7-hundred Volcano employees, but estimates it’s now less than 1-hundred. In San Jose, North Carolina based communications company CommScope issued a shutdown WARN, 90 jobs lost by February 2016.   In Mountain View, computer security company Symantec continues to kill jobs, this time they laid off 44 employees.   In Los Angeles, P.F. Chang’s Bistro issued a shutdown WARN, 86 jobs lost in January 2016. Also in Los Angeles, Cedar-Sinai Medical Center issued a layoff WARN, 57 jobs lost by February 2016.  Schneider National Carriers issued layoff and shutdown WARNs saying 75 Californians will lose their jobs by February 2016.  Santa Fe Distributing finally issued three shutdown WARNs for their shutdown of operations back in November, at least 63 jobs lost.

Connecticut: Administrators of Hartford based taxpayer rapist United Technologies warned employees that they will cut $1.5-billion USD in costs in 2016 (meaning jobs).

Delaware: Wilmington based DuPont revealed it will eliminate 5-thousand jobs right before its merger with Dow Chemical!

Illinois: What housing market recovery?  In Geneva, after 40 years home improvement store The Country Store shutting down, the owners indicated that ever since the 2008-09 crash sales never recovered.

Indiana: Indianapolis based drugs pusher Eli Lilly announced it will charge $11-thousand 430 USD per month for its new cancer drug, so much for ObamaCare!

Maryland: News reports say that so far for December announced layoffs in the state are at 3-thousand 277!

Michigan: Detroit Public Schools selling off 16 schools and eliminating bilingual jobs!  News reports indicate that the elimination of bilingual personnel could led to students being taken out of school, which will further reduce funding for the dip-noodle school district.   Evil Detroit based Ford is already jumping in-line with the new COP21 agreement and will spend $4.5-billion USD on producing 13 different electric vehicles which you will be forced to buy in 2020.  Restaurant Taylor Amigo’s shutting down after Xmas, the owner said the lease was up and the building was too big for the amount of business he does.

Minnesota: In Minneapolis, after 26 years Origami restaurant shutting down two days before Xmas.  After six years Loring Kitchen & Bar shutting down this week.  After 11 years Franklin Street Bakery shutdown.

Nevada:  In Las Vegas, White Cross Market shutting down this week.  The current owners said they tried to bring the iconic grocery store back from the dead, but the economy won’t allow it.

New York: In Syracuse, Danzer’s Restaurant shutting down before Xmas, an employee said it’s because of the owners bad health.

Tennessee: Clothier Gap shutting down their Mall at Johnson City store in January 2016.

Texas:  Houston based oil company Hilcorp Energy just proved the whole oil industry shutdown and masses of layoffs are bullshit; they gave everyone of their employees a $100-thousand USD bonus!  Why?  Administrators say their company is making BooKoo bucks off their doubled oil output, while other companies slashed production!

Vermont: Waterbury based coffee roaster Keurig Green Mountain has been sold-off, for $13.9-billion USD.  The new owner, JAB, could eliminate even more jobs.

West Virginia: Martin’s Food & Drugs shutting down three stores as soon as their leases expire sometime in 2016, 357 jobs lost!  This is telling because local news reports say Martin’s is the top grocery store, for sales, in West Virginia.

11 December 2015: “It’s going to be devastating…” Federal court rules Idaho hospital illegal! “I hate to close….but what can you do?” 

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Business/Economics, Idaho

“It’s going to be devastating…” Federal court rules Idaho hospital illegal! “I hate to close….but what can you do?” : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 11 December 2015

Alabama:  In Tuscaloosa, after 24 years Rug Gallery shutting down, the owner said under these economic conditions “…it’s the right thing to do.”  

California:  Los Angeles based clothier Kitson shutting down all 17 stores in California, Nevada and Oregon!  Also in Los Angeles, Runway Two Five claims they’re temporarily shutting down in January 2016, 73 jobs lost.    In Costa Mesa, 3M division Ceradyne shutting down in February 2016, 65 jobs lost.  In City of Industry, Bay Valley Foods issued a shutdown WARN, 62 jobs lost in February 2016.  In Pleasanton, YP Advertising issued a layoff WARN, 68 jobs lost in February 2016.  Oil service company Brinderson revealed it eliminated 207 jobs last week!

Delaware: In Newark, after 65 years Abbott’s Shoe Repair up for sale.  The owner lamented none of his heirs wanted to learn the craft, he also joked about being a slave laborer for his father: “Back then, there were no child labor laws about a father paying his son. He could pay me whatever he wanted, and if you weren’t his son, you made a dollar an hour.”-Phil Abbott

Florida:  34 years old Miami based gun dealer Samco Global Arms now chapter 7 bankrupt busted and liquidating.  Too Big to Jail American Express issued a WARN for its Saint Petersburg insurance ops, 124 jobs lost in February 2016!

Idaho: College of Southern Idaho revealed that 30% of its student body are still in High School!  The imbecilic Idaho Board of Education realizes that it’s a sign of a ‘significant’ change in college student body demographics (you think?).  What this really shows is a mass exodus of traditional college age students from Idaho!  A federal court has ordered the sale of Saltzer Medical Group.  Corrupt Boise based Saint Luke’s Health System took over Nampa based Saltzer, but a federal judge ruled the takeover violated anti-trust laws.  Saint Luke’s has 12 months to sell-off Saltzer.   New York (get a rope!) based New Media Investment Group has taken over the Idaho Business Review.

Illinois: US Steel eliminating 2-thousand jobs as it idles its Granite City foundry after Xmas!  Administrators blame unfair competition in the global economy.  Food giant General Mills shutting down their West Chicago factory, 444 jobs lost by Summer 2016!  Gate Gourmet lost its contract with United Airlines at O’Hare International Airport, 821 jobs affected!  Black Hawk College warned it must eliminate jobs to cover a $1.5-million shortfall.

Maryland: Calvert Investments eliminating 41 jobs just so it can double its assets over the next five years.

New York:  God refuses to stop ‘his’ College of Saint Rose from laying off 23 people after Xmas.  NYC based Allure magazine warning its employees of pending layoffs. Publics New York (formerly Kaplan Thaler) warned employees of layoffs to hit right before Xmas. Administrators said they’ve had a “good year” but admitted they think the U.S. economy is only getting worse, thus the layoffs.  In Utica, Too Big to Jail Bank of America issued a WARN for its Shared Service Operations Unit, 234 jobs lost by July 2016!  Too Big to Jail Morgan Stanley issued a mass layoff WARN for all its New York locations, 358 jobs lost starting in March 2016!  Capsys issued a shutdown WARN for its
Brooklyn Navy Yard ops, 54 jobs lost in March 2016. In Batavia, the Müller Quaker Dairy shutdown and sold-off, 2-hundred people laid off!  Local news sources hope the new owner (Dairy Farmers of America) will get operations going again soon.

Pennsylvania: In Pottstown, after 94 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) The Very Best hot dogs-hamburgers-steaks  joint shutdown.  In Sharon, after 70 years the Army-Navy surplus store shutdown.  In Carmichaels, oil company Halliburton laid off 21 people.  FMC eliminating 74 jobs in Erie, administrators blame the petroleum industry.  After 20 years, Mapes Manoa Hardware shutting down by the end of January 2016: “I hate to close. It’s a nice area, nice people. I was happy, but what can you do? It’s not profitable.”-J. Raymond Benner

Utah: In Logan, Sports Authority shutting down the day before Xmas.  It’s part of the company’s plans to shutdown dozens of stores across the U.S.

Virginia:  In Bluefield, Mitt Romney co-creation Staples shutting down, mayor Don Harris bemoaned “It’s certainly going to make an impact on the whole area. It’s going to be devastating for us. Hopefully, somebody else might move in.”

Washington: In Seattle, Aramark Sports & Entertainment issued a shutdown WARN, 71 jobs lost after Xmas.

Wisconsin: Iconic Harley Davidson motorcycles laying off 250 people by the end of the month!  It’s blamed on the suck-ass economy.  Mil-3 Precision Machining being liquidated, the last of the employees were laid off in November.  Owner Rich McNett blames the suck-ass economy: “There was just no way I could even make break even anymore…It just got slower and slower and slower…”

09 -10 December 2015: “We’re leaving because we have to.” Internet company loses “90% of our revenue”! 

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Business/Economics, Idaho

“We’re leaving because we have to.” Internet company loses “90% of our revenue”! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 09 – 10 December 2015

According to industry analyst Challenger, Gray & Christmas, 2015 will be the worst year for mass layoffs since 2009!  They blame the petroleum industry.

Arizona: American Meat Company shutting down their 62 years old Tucson store after Xmas.  Administrators blamed a “combination” of issues.  Sierrita Mining shutting down in 2016. Conflicting news reports say between 450 and 1-thousand jobs lost! They blame crashing and burning copper prices, but hope there’s a price rebound by 2018.

California:  More proof you Brick-n-Mortar ops can’t blame the internet for your problems; it’s been revealed that Palo Alto based internet advertising company PubMatic eliminated 150 jobs since October! Administrators blame crashing ad sales, in fact they admitted they lost “90% of our revenue”!    More mass layoffs for San Jose based networking computer maker Cisco.  An unnamed inside source revealed to FierceEnterpriseCommunications that Cisco laid off an additional 120 people last week!  In El Paseo, after 30 years DeLuca Jewelers shutdown due to the death of both owners in 2014.  None of the heirs thought it was worth it to continue the business.

Florida:  In Gainesville, Swift Cycle shutting down on Xmas Eve.  The owner said he’s moving out west, hoping to work in the residential construction industry.

Georgia: In Jonesboro, after 68 years Dean’s Barbeque shutting down after Xmas due to skyrocketing pig meat prices and a family feud.  In Columbus, after 20 years a Hallmark gift store shutting down as soon as everything is sold.

Idaho: Kevin Settles, the owner of three successful Bardenay restaurant and distillery operations, decided to exodus The Gem State with his fourth op.  Why? “I would like to operate in a state that doesn’t have a state control system. I have three licenses in three areas and even then it isn’t a stable investment. There is always the chance you lose it to a violation and then who knows when you will get another.”  Gee, and our exalted ‘conservative’ republican ‘lawmakers’ have always led us to believe they’re against such state controls.  Settles is moving to Colorado.  In Ammon, the optimistic city leaders went running to the local news media with “the biggest booming” business news ever!  They’re getting a Kneaders cafe, Popeyes chicken (there’s already at least one nearby in next door Idaho Falls) and a  Rita’s Custard and Ice.  Yep, the same ol same ol, service sector jobs that are totally reliant on manufacturing sector jobs, which they don’t got.

Illinois: Hagel Metal Fabrication shutdown last week, without warning, 80 jobs lost.  No explanation was given, state regulators investigating.

Indiana: In Bloomington, after 12 years award winning Restaurant Tallent shutting down, the owner wants more time with his family.  Clothier Gap shutting down their Eastland Mall store in January 2016.   In the Circle Centre Mall, Gap and GapKids shutting down in January.  Also, the American Greetings gift store shutting down, no date given.

Maine: Clothier Gap shutting down their Maine Mall store in January 2016.

Missouri:  God refuses to stop ‘his’ Evangel University from using attrition to eliminate 44 jobs by next school year.  33 faculty and staff have already been forced into early retirement.

New York:  Evil Switzerland based drugs pusher Novartis issues a 7th phase shutdown WARN for its Suffern factory.  The final 60 employees to be laid off between March and September 2016.    Briarcliffe College issued a shutdown WARN, 294 jobs lost by December 2018!  What real estate industry recovery? In NYC, RCS Capital (Realty Capital Securities) issued a shutdown WARN, 79 jobs lost by March 2016.

North Carolina:  College apartment complex operator Campus Crest shutting down their HQ and eliminating 70 jobs by February 2016. Campus Crest is being sold-off.   In Weaverville, Arvato Digital services shutting down their 32 years old CD-DVD ops, 120 jobs lost!  Administrators said “We still have customers, but not enough….”

North Dakota:  Despite selling-off its oil operations, MDU Resources says it must continue to cut costs, including eliminating a total of 24 jobs.  They warned of more layoffs after January 2016.  In Fargo, Abode Decor & Gift shutting down after Xmas.  News reports made it sound like they were being kicked out in favor of a business that’s willing to pay more rent.

Ohio: What automotive industry recovery? After announcing the end of 734 jobs in Virginia, Volvo Trucks to eliminate about 3-hundred jobs when it shuts down its parts warehouse near Lewis Center!  The plant shutdown was planned back in 2013, but won’t be completed until March 2016.

Pennsylvania: Univest, “growing company with deep ties to its local communities”, has admitted that jobs will be lost once they’ve completed selling their soul to Fox Chase Bancorp.

Vermont: Pottery Barn shutting down its Burlington Town Center store, in January 2016.  Administrators would only say “A number of factors…” forced them to shutdown.

Virginia:  Gas company Range Resources laying off 55 employees, and revealed it is in the process of selling-off its assets.  Paisley Gifts shutdown: “Our lease is up in January and right now we don’t have a place that’s a good fit for our business to go to. We’re not leaving here because of a negative response…. We’re leaving because we have to.”-Cheryl Paisley

Wisconsin:  Gas company Chart Industries eliminating 105 jobs at its La Crosse operations, after Xmas!

07 -08 December 2015: God bankrupt! Charities forcing taxpayers to ‘donate’! ObamaCare fails to rape-in the profits!

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”